Airbus to create 480 new jobs in boost to UK aerospace industry

Airbus to create 480 new jobs in boost to UK aerospace industry

Airbus currently employs 6,000 at its Broughton plant in Flintshire

Airbus is planning to add 480 new jobs at its Broughton site as part of a major investment in its production line.

The manufacturer will invest £150 million to turn its former A380 wing production facility in Flintshire into an A321 line.

Airbus said this shows its "commitment to Wales" and strengthens the UK's role as a "critical hub in the global aerospace industry".

The announcement follows the company's earlier multi-million pound investment in its Belfast operation this year.

The new positions at the Broughton facility will include 250 position in the refurbished factory, alongside the 6,000 employees already based there.

The project, due to be finished by the end of 2026, is intended to help meet the backlog of A320 aircrafts.

When complete, Airbus said the site will have six wing production jigs, an equipping line and paint shops.

"Investing in our capacity strengthens our industrial footprint, creates high value jobs that support the wider UK aerospace sector and ensures we remain competitive in the years to come," said Jerome Blandin, the head of Airbus Wing.

Blandin described it as an "important investment" for the region and the manufacturer's global production capability.

The investment was welcomed by Unite union, which represents more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers at Airbus.

Unite called it a "massive vote of confidence in the world-class skills, dedication and expertise of our members in north Wales".

Daz Reynolds, Unite Site Convenor at Broughton, said: "It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when management invests directly in the proven capability of its Broughton workforce.

"Our members have consistently delivered and this expansion secures sustainable, high-value manufacturing employment for the long term."